EMMY nominated actor and 1960s heartthrob Richard Chamberlain has died aged 90.

The star rocketed to in the TV medical drama Dr Kildare and starred in the mini-series Shogun and The Thorn Birds.

Richard Chamberlain holding his book, "Shattered Love: A Memoir."Actor Richard Chamberlain in 2003

Chamberlain died late on Saturday in Hawaii from complications from a stroke, publicist Harlan Boll said in a statement on Sunday.

Chamberlain was an instant hit, and became a teen idol, as the handsome Dr James Kildare in the series that ran from 1961 – 1966.